Why the Rumors Are False: Target and Walmart Stand by Xbox Products Amidst Growing Misinformation

A new rumor about Xbox gained traction over the weekend, sparking debates and concerns online. It all began on a Reddit thread where a user claimed their local Target was removing the Xbox display. This fueled a flurry of articles speculating that Xbox was “dying,” particularly after Costco cut back on its Xbox inventory.

As discussions spread, many Redditors shared that their local Targets and Walmarts hadn’t had Xbox stock for months. But there were also voices of reassurance. For instance, popular gaming journalist Destin Legarie reached out to Walmart and was told there was no plan to pull Xbox stocks. He stated, “At least to my knowledge, I haven’t heard anything about clearing inventory or anything like that.”

In fact, a Target employee also denied widespread reports of Xbox removal. Notably, Larry “Major” Nelson, an influential figure in the Xbox community, confirmed that he found Xbox products still available at various stores.

Despite these reassurances, the supply of Xbox consoles can be hit or miss. While checking a local Target, I noticed they had Xbox Series S consoles but were out of the Series X. This scarcity isn’t unusual, as Microsoft tends to produce consoles on demand, avoiding excess inventory to keep the supply in check.

Interestingly, Microsoft has stated that Target and Walmart remain committed partners for Xbox products. They’ve faced a lot of negativity recently, partly due to price increases for consoles and subscriptions. Xbox Series X and S prices jumped from $499/$299 to $649/$399, and Game Pass Ultimate prices are set to rise by 50% starting in November.

This has led to speculation that Microsoft might exit the hardware business altogether, akin to Sega’s withdrawal from console manufacturing years ago. However, Microsoft reassured fans that it is not leaving the hardware market, especially after announcing a decade-long partnership with AMD for Xbox.

Despite challenges, Xbox Game Pass has seen success, and the Series X and S consoles are regarded as top-tier hardware. Nevertheless, the mix of layoffs and unpopular decisions has dampened the public’s perception of Xbox. A look at social media shows many users voicing their frustrations.

With misinformation on the rise, it’s crucial for Microsoft to manage its public image and keep its committed fans engaged. A swift response to rumors and transparent communication could help strengthen trust and clarify Xbox’s future in the gaming landscape.

For more insights into Xbox and its current position, check out this article from Windows Central.

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